Decatur, GA is on an active path to make the city a top choice for Atlanta metro area living. The city’s close proximity to Emory University and downtown Atlanta complement a strong community spirit, tree-lined neighborhoods, historic charm, architectural character, boutiques and a vibrant restaurant/coffee shop scene. Rapid growth on Decatur’s eastern edge, just walking distance from Decatur’s distinctive Downtown square, is evidenced by Sam’s Crossing Village, a mixed-use development that showcases Notion, a luxury mid-rise apartment community developed by Toll Brothers Apartment Living. Notion sits on a nearly 3.2-acre site, features a mix of studio, 1 and 2-bedroom units, and boasts attractive amenities that appeal to young, established professionals.

The Challenge:

While near to quiet, single-family residential areas, Notion’s neighborhood conveys a quirky personality that mixes cultured, high-end tastes with artsy and sometimes gritty appearances. The complex make-up of the area presented MCA’s design team with a unique opportunity to create a living environment that reflected both folksy street style and urban chic characteristics. Developing spaces that fostered creative expression, supported curiosity and boosted social engagement were priorities for attracting a sophisticated, active resident.

The MCA Solution:

MCA’s design focused on curating a unique identity for the new building that would authentically coincide with the neighborhood’s eclectic vibe. The design created living and common spaces that exude the magic of a hole-in-the-wall coffee house typical for the area. Three separate coffee bars, including one in the mail lounge that offers cold brews, espressos and barista style beverages, provide multiple opportunities to gather, converse, read, peruse social media and even collaborate on professional work. Accessories and artwork, including a branded wall displaying colorful spines of books and textbooks, accentuate the coffeehouse aura.

The dual functionality of 8,000+ square feet of well-programmed interior and exterior amenity space easily transitions from day to night use. Ambient lighting in gathering spaces complements a polished, savvy aesthetic throughout the hospitality lobby and lounge, billiard lounge that features booth and bar seating, and conference room. A state-of-the-art fitness center featuring an on-demand fitness studio, resort-style pool with cabanas, courtyard lounges featuring lawn games and grills, and a pet park and “paw-spa” support residents’ active lifestyles.

Millwork, contemporary furnishings, inviting colors and textures support an upscale, epicurean lifestyle that is also reflected in the elegant, well-appointed exhibition kitchen. Individual units feature matte black hardware, quartz countertops, luxury vinyl flooring, keyless entry systems, and stainless steel appliances. Residents enjoy a self-service bicycle shop and bicycle storage as well as EV charging stations and ample storage solutions.